Libraries as support for immigrants during the integration process : A qualitative study at the town libraries in the cities of Malmö and Lund.

The aim of the study was to examine how the public libraries participate in the integration of immigrants in the Malmö-/Lund region. Librarians and immigrants were interviewed about the services offered by the libraries in the area of multiculturalism and what kind of service that is requested by the immigrants. The interviews also included possibilities to contribute to increased knowledge among the native Swedish people about different cultures represented among immigrants in Sweden. From the qualitative analyses it is concluded that the libraries represented in the study contribute to the integration of immigrants. The respondents gave multiple examples of the libraries’ usefulness in the integration process by offering immigrants possibilities to develop their knowledge in the Swedish language, and also to find information about the Swedish society and culture. The libraries are also meeting places for people representing different cultures. The respondents also exemplified possibilities of future developments that could be of benefit in the integration process, such as informing the recently arrived immigrants about the services offered by the libraries. They also requested activities that could be useful when seeking employment, and also programs or study circles to spread knowledge about different cultures to prevent racism and hostility towards immigrants. The respondents also asked for a more extensive choice of literature in their different native languages and improved marketing of the services which the international library actually is able to provide.Uppsatsnivå: